New AOL 9.0 Optimized for Windows Now Available for All AOL Members

Dulles, VA - August 19, 2003 - America Online Inc. (NYSE: AOL) today announced that testing of its exclusive AOLTopSpeed(tm) technology in the newly-released AOL (R) 9.0 Optimized version of software allows its members to download web pages faster than all other national dial-up ISPs that were tested.

The Company also announced that, starting today, AOL members using Windows(r) 98 or higher operating systems can get the new AOL 9.0 Optimized, the latest version of the AOL and AOL(r) for Broadband services, at AOL Keyword: Upgrade.

The comprehensive, third-party study was conducted by VeriTest, the testing division of Lionbridge (Nasdaq: LIOX). Using VeriTest's Internet BenchMark(tm) testing methods, the independent analysis shows that AOL 9.0 Optimized allowed members to finish downloading web pages "significantly faster" using a dial-up connection than Earthlink's "Earthlink Plus", Earthlink's standard software, and those of other major nationwide ISPs that were tested. In the first major, third-party comparative testing of web accelerator technologies among national ISPs, VeriTest results indicate that Internet web pages downloaded - on average - 21% to 65% faster on AOL 9.0 Optimized compared to the latest software versions of other national dial-up ISP services that were tested.

** AOL members have a clear and distinct advantage over other 'web accelerator' services provided by other major ISPs when surfing the Internet and downloading web pages using the built-in web browser window in version AOL 9.0 Optimized.

"We know that AOL members have a true need for speed when cruising the Internet, and AOL TopSpeed(tm) in AOL 9.0 Optimized provides the fastest Web surfing available," said David Gang, Executive Vice President of AOL Products. "The VeriTest results underscore our focus on offering features and enhancements in AOL 9.0 Optimized that let members get the most from being online."

In addition to the VeriTest study, other internal testing conducted by AOL also demonstrates that AOL TopSpeed(tm) improves on average the web browsing performance of all members on AOL 9.0 Optimized, whether they access the service via dial-up or high-speed connections. The AOL internal tests conclusively showed that AOL 9.0 Optimized dial-up members will see the most appreciable and noticeable difference when accessing their favorite web sites using the new AOLTopSpeed(tm) product.

In addition to the positive results as measured by VeriTest and AOL's internal testing, the further benefit to all AOL members using version 9.0 is that they will enjoy superior, unparalleled web speed performance using AOLTopSpeed(tm) technology at no additional cost to their monthly subscription. AOLTopSpeed(tm) technology has been added to the AOL 9.0 Optimized software as part of the core service, and not as an additional, premium cost to members, offering AOL members tremendous value combined with superior web enhancement technology.

The results of the VeriTest study affirm AOL's longstanding leadership position in the online industry when it comes to web speed performance. In regular Internet BenchMark Service independent lab tests, AOL has been ranked #1 by VeriTest in 29 consecutive months -- consistently outpacing other major dial-up internet providers in web page download speeds.

In 1995, AOL became the first national ISP to make 'caching and compression' of web pages a core service function. Since that time, AOL has constantly worked to improve, enhance and upgrade web speed performance technologies.

For more information about AOLTopSpeed(tm) in AOL 9.0 Optimized, or to see a demonstration of the product, members can visit AOL Keyword: TopSpeed(tm).

In addition to AOL TopSpeed, AOL 9.0 Optimized includes a number of valuable new features designed to help members get the most from being online. AOL 9.0 Optimized is available exclusively to AOL members before its general release in stores and marketing outlets this fall. Members may also order a free AOL 9.0 Optimized CD from the online upgrade area.

* AOL commissioned VeriTest to compare the performance of the mentioned services and/or software clients. AOL chose VeriTest to conduct performance tests on AOL 9.0 based on their reputation for integrity in providing objective, third party testing. The testing was conducted over a four-day period, beginning on July 30 and concluding August 2. The VeriTest study only compared narrowband web surfing performance, not web speed performance over broadband connections. For complete results and methodology used in the VeriTest study, please visit www.veritest.com and click on the link http://www.veritest.com/clients/reports/aol.

** Actual performance may vary depending on connection speed and Internet web pages being accessed. For media contacts: to learn more about AOL 9.0 Optimized, view the AOL 9.0 Optimized Product Summary or download graphics, please visit www.aolepk.com